An 18-year-old barista in London praised by Drake, RAYE built a wholly original voice blending R&B, pop, grime, and UK garage. We trace how she constructed that sound from classical training and diverse influences, then confronted a modern nightmare when AI allegedly cloned her voice and went viral on TikTok without her permission.

From classical singing lessons and the oboe to the SoundCloud explosion of Blue Lights, her strategic publishing deal that preserved her master recordings, and her history-making Brit Critics' Choice win, this is a story about building a voice and then fighting to protect its very essence.

• Her dual-heritage upbringing and rigorous classical vocal foundation
• The Blue Lights SoundCloud breakout and Drake's early praise
• Retaining master recordings through her own label FAM while signin ...